Kaizer Chiefs’ return to continental competition ended in disappointment as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round on Saturday.
A 61st-minute header from substitute Julio Matondo separated the two sides in a tightly contested affair at Estádio dos Coqueiros, handing the hosts a slender lead heading into next weekend’s return leg at the FNB Stadium.
Cloud of uncertainty
Kaizer Chiefs, still reeling from the absence of their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, entered the fixture under a cloud of uncertainty.
The loss compounds a difficult week for Amakhosi, who also suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United in midweek, ending their six-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership.
Despite the turmoil, the visitors started brightly.
Mduduzi Shabalala and Glody Lilepo combined well early on to force a save from Kabuscorp goalkeeper Anselmo Mbala, with Pule Mmodi nearly capitalising on the rebound.
However, chances remained few and far between in a cagey first half.
Kabuscorp grew into the game as the match progressed, buoyed by a lively home crowd.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, a standout performer this season, produced a crucial fingertip save just before half-time to deny Beni Papel and keep the score level at the break.
Tactical masterstroke
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark.
In a tactical masterstroke by Kabuscorp coach Roberto Luiz, Matondo was introduced and made an immediate impact.
The forward rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from Afonso Mafuta, powering a header past Petersen for what proved to be the winning goal.
Kaizer Chiefs had a numerical advantage late on after Kabuscorp were reduced to 10 men, but they failed to capitalise.
Despite their urgency, they struggled to break down a compact and disciplined Angolan defence, leaving them with a challenging task in the second leg.
The caretaker duo of Cedric Kaze and Khali Ben Youseff, standing in for the absent Nabi, will now need to rally the squad ahead of the decisive home fixture next Saturday.
Match Summary
CAF Confederation Cup – Preliminary Round (First Leg)
Venue: Estádio dos Coqueiros, Luanda
Score: Kabuscorp 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Goal: Julio Matondo (61’)
Red card: Kabuscorp (Jorge)
Next Fixture
📍 Second Leg: Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp
📆 Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025 – 15:00
🏟️ Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
